8 Pies

Reviewed by Limey

Plot Summary

Helen and Bernadette decide to study the subject of myths and urban legends for their University thesis, in particular the legend of the Candyman. Whilst investigating claims of a real life Candyman in the local area, Helen finds her life turned upside down.

Review

Candyman is a strange film in that it and its title character are regularly mentioned by horror enthusiasts and non-fans alike when discussing the genre and its pantheon of monsters, yet it seems that very few have ever actually seen it. Nor does it receive much recognition or publicity compared to the slashers that came before and after.

Watching it again now and taking into account what others have told me, I think I know why. It’s intelligent. It’s methodical. And it is very real.

Real? It deals with a supernatural killer! But does it? That’s the hook here. What is actually happening in this grim world in which the film thrusts us, the viewers? Just what are we supposed to believe, what is real and what is urban legend?

For a horror film, it confronts a vast number of social issues, takes a sombre look at some nightmarish situations and is unyielding in its mission to force us to look and take it in.

All the while providing no answers whatsoever. And that, my friends, is why this movie is mentioned time and again in horror lists but apparently also stands among the unknown and unsung. It takes its time in weaving a gruesome narrative and then rewards you with nothing but a ghastly look at reality. Or does it?

Quotes:

Claire: If you look in the mirror and say his name 5 times, He'll appear behind you breathing down your neck.

Candyman: I am the writing on the wall, the whisper in the classroom! Without these things, I am nothing. So now, I must shed innocent blood. Come with me!

Spook Factor: ¾ Pie

A film to keep you awake at night if ever there was one. Maybe it won’t unnerve the horror veteran to quite that extent, but it will certainly make you think, and I have met many who revel in the brutality of Saw that refuse to watch this one.

Antagonist: ¾ Pie

A master of head games, whether real or unreal. Man or myth, he will make you look twice in the mirror and the skin on the back of your neck crawl. However, he is sometimes ineffective and doesn’t look all that threatening.

Story: 1 Pie

As I have briefly mentioned, there is surprising depth to this film that will make you look at the world again – perhaps not in a new light but with added horror.

Acting: 1 Pie

I was going with a three-quarter pie but realised how unfair that would be. Fine acting across the board that adds depth to all characters involved and really aids in convincing you of the events told in the movie. Ted Raimi does get special mention for being the least convincing tough guy of all time but still being cool.

Directing: ¾ Pie

There is no glitz or glam here and that is a good thing. Both sombre and agitated, I especially appreciated Rose letting us imagine the deaths rather than showing us directly. We make it all that much more horrific. However, it doesn’t take advantage of some of the situations it sets up. There are some amazing visuals here, but it was my mind telling me the potential rather than the camera showing me the actuality.

Soundtrack: ½ Pie

A score that is half chilling and melancholic, half teeth itchingly synthetic and very, well, 90’s because of it. And that is real horror.

Special Effects: ¾ Pie

There is plenty of red and some stunt sequences but it is how they are used to paint the grim narrative that really scores it points.

Gore: 1 Pie

As I said, plenty of red, which really cuts you deep with the starkness with which it is presented. Not so much in the detail of blood and guts but in the context surrounding them.

Replay, Rewatch, Rewind: ½ Pie

Certainly I think most people who do watch it will eventually watch it again, but best to leave a lengthy gap. As gruesome as it is, the directing style may cause dozing for those that are familiar with the film already. It did for me, anyways.

Pros

An intelligent story supported by incredible acting that tells its tale and then leaves you to think for yourself.

Cons

Just occasionally, both dated music and uninspired directing let the movie down.

Final Word

A horror film that targets weighty issues such as love, class and reality - and pulls it off? Who’d have thought it? But here it is. Sweets to the sweet.